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William S. Marlow
1820 Jefferson Street
P.O. Box 1220
Port Townsend, WA 98368
William S. Marlow Richard A. Broders
MINUTES
December 2, 2009
Dave Gering
Chairman
Dave Garing Vice- Chairman
Richard A. Broilers Member
Chairman William S. Marlow called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m. in the presence of Vice-
Chairman Dave Garing and Member Richard A. Broders.
HEARINGS
Celeste Camagna Foley BOE: 09 -104 -R PN: 931 900 049
3324 N. Boulder Canyon
Mesa, AZ 85207
Celeste Foley was not present. Appraiser Maryn Gossett represented the Assessor's office and
was sworn in by Chairman Marlow. Under appeal is the land and improvement value of
property located at 121 Martingale Place, Port Ludlow.
Currently, the property is assessed at $437,410 ($210,000 for the land and $227,410 for the
improvements). The appellant estimates the value is $276,000 (no breakdown between land and
improvements was provided).
On the petition form the appellant wrote the following reason for appealing the valuation of her
property: "I purchased the home on 9/25/09 - less than 90% of the assessed value."
Appraiser Gossett reviewed the packet of information she provided to the appellant that included
a letter dated July 13, 2009 to property owners regarding appeals of past revaluations; a vicinity
map with valuation notations; and an appraiser worksheet. The assessment date for the subject
property is January 1, 2007.
Reviewing the sales history of the property Appraiser Gossett stated that it sold in October 2006
for $445,000 and as of January 1, 2007 the assessed value was $437,410 which was under the
sales price. This property ended up in foreclosure and the appellant purchased the property for
Phone (360)385 -9100 Fax (360)385 -9382 jeffbocc&o.jefferson.wa.us
Board of Equalization Minutes - December 2, 2009 Page: 2
$276,000 as a "Bargain and Sale Deed ". She feels the appellant's property is assessed at fair
market value as of January 1, 2007.
Hearing no further testimony, Chairman Marlow closed the hearing. The Board will make a
determination at a later date.
ASSESSMENT CORRECTIONS
Member Broders moved to accept the following assessment corrections. Vice - Chairman Garing
seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote.
NAME APPEAL NO.
Tim McCue, Q4 Development BOE 09 -83 -LO
BOE 09 -84 -LO
" BOE 09 -85 -LO
BOE 09 -86 -LO
" BOE 09 -87 -LO
" BOE 09 -88 -LO
DETERMINATIONS
Sylvia Heuser BOE: 09 -60 -R
P.O. Box 65309
Port Ludlow, WA 98365
PARCEL NO.
959 702 301
964 200 401
964 200 402
964 200 501
964 200 502
964 200 503
PN: 969 800 017
The Board considered the information presented by the appellant and the Assessor's
representative. The appellant asserts the true and fair market value of this property to be
$450,000 rather than the Assessor's valuation of $486,690. She stated that the subject property
was assessed "during the height of the price spiral before the market bubble burst ". She
questioned the Assessor's representative on how valuations occur and factors that influence the
increase and decrease of property values. The appellant offered no evidence of comparable sales
during the assessment time frame.
The Assessor's representative explained that property in Jefferson County is valued on a four -
year cycle. The individual characteristics of the land and improvements as well as comparable
sales in the surrounding neighborhood were important factors in determining the true and fair
market value as of the assessment date of January 1, 2007. The Assessor's representative
Board of Equalization Minutes - December 2, 2009 Page: 3
offered into evidence a copy of the appraisal worksheet and map of the immediate vicinity with
notations summarizing vacant land and improved property sales that occurred during the
assessment cycle.
The Board finds that the appellant did not present clear, cogent, and convincing evidence that is
necessary to overcome the presumptive correctness of the value established by the Assessor.
Vice - Chairman Gating moved to sustain the Assessor's valuation of $486,690 ($170,000 for the
land and $316,690 for the improvements). Member Broders seconded the motion which carried
by a unanimous vote. (See also minutes of November 4, 2009)
Alton & Beverly Swanson BOE: 09 -64 -LO PN: 001 093 001
30577 Ih Street 09 -65 -LO 997 000 101
Port Townsend, WA 98368 09 -66 -LO 997 000 201
09 -67 -LO 997 000 701
The Board considered the information presented by the appellants and the Assessor's
representative. The appellants indicated the City of Port Townsend has restrictions limiting
improvements to the subject property but were not sure what the specific limitations were other
than to testify wetlands were present in the area. Neither the appellants nor the Assessor's
representative offered evidence of comparable sales.
The Assessor's representative offered into evidence a copy of the appraisal worksheet and an
aerial photograph of the immediate vicinity with parcel notations.
The Board of Equalization finds that the appellants did not present clear, cogent, and convincing
evidence necessary to overcome the presumptive correctness of the value established by the
Assessor.
Member Broders moved to sustain the Assessor's valuation of all the parcels as shown below:
Anneal Number
BOE 09 -64 -LO
BOE 09 -65 -LO
BOE 09 -66 -LO
BOE 09 -67 -LO
Parcel Number.
001 093 001
997 000 101
997 000 201
997 000 701
Current Assessed Value
$22,500 (land only)
$22,650 (land only)
$45,450 (land only)
$21,300 (land only)
Vice - Chairman Gating seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. (See also
minutes of November 4, 2009)
Board of Equalization Minutes - December 2, 2009 Page: 4
Joanna Lyons
641 Semple Court
Benicia, CA 94510
BOE: 09 -78 -LO PN: 001 104 028
The Board considered the information presented by the appellant and the Assessor's
representative. The appellant asserts the true and fair market value of the subject property to be
$200,000 rather than the Assessor's valuation of $240,000. The appellant testified that she
purchased the property in May 2004 for $200,000 and that a building footprint of 100' x 80' is
feasible but limited by restrictions and easements. She offered no evidence of comparable
property sales during the assessment time frame.
The Assessor's representative testified that the configuration of the subject property, increased in
size when re- platted and has a protected and unobstructed water view corridor. He also offered
into evidence a copy of the appraisal worksheet, an aerial photograph of the immediate vicinity,
and map of the recorded survey.
The Board finds that the appellant did not present clear, cogent, and convincing evidence
necessary to overcome the presumptive correctness of the value established by the Assessor.
Vice - Chairman Garing moved to sustain the Assessor's valuation of $240,000 (land only).
Member Broders seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. (See also minutes of
November 4, 2009)
Larry & Lynn Hovde
P.O. Box 864
Quilcene, WA 98376
BOE: 09 -45 -R PN: 701 063 012
The Board considered the information presented by the appellants and the Assessor's
representative. The appellants assert the true and fair market value of the subject property to be
$170,000 rather than the Assessor's valuation of $283,775. They estimate the true and fair
market value of the land to be $40,000 with improvements valued at $130,000. Although the
appellants were not present to offer oral testimony, their petition indicated that a lack of potable
water was not considered during the assessment of the property. The appellants offered no
evidence of comparable sales during the assessment time frame.
The Assessor's representative offered into evidence a copy of the appraisal worksheet and a map
of the immediate vicinity with parcel tag notations. He testified that a well on the subject
Board of Equalization Minutes - December 2, 2009 Page: 5
property was "red- tagged" in April of 2005. He also indicated his belief that a new well had
been drilled on a neighboring lot but was unsure of specific details. In concluding his testimony
the Assessor's representative recommended that the land value of the subject property be
reduced to $40,000.
Member Broders moved to overrule the Assessor's valuation of $283,775 ($58,900 for the land
and $224,875 for the improvements) and reduce it to $264,875 ($40,000 for the land and
$224,875 for the improvements). Vice Chairman Garing seconded the motion which carried by
a unanimous vote. (See also minutes of November 4, 2009)
Jacob Thomas BOE: 09 -90 -LO PN: 965 400 802
510 O'Farrell Avenue SE 09 -91 -LO 965 400 203
Olympia, WA 98501
The Board considered the information presented by the appellant and the Assessor's
representative. The appellant asserts the true and fair market value of both parcels to be $7,000
rather than the Assessor's valuation of $10,000. Although the appellant was not present to offer
oral testimony, his petition indicated that both of these parcels are not currently buildable as they
are not accessible by road, or have water or power.
The Assessor's representative supported the assessed values with data from two (2) comparable
property sales in this area, copies of the appraisal worksheet, a map of the immediate vicinity,
and sales affidavits for the comparable property sales. Comparable #I was comprised of 4 lots
and sold for $27,000 in June of 2007. Comparable #2 also contained 4 lots and sold for $35,000
in May of 2008. He testified that both parcels received a negative adjustment of 50% for access
and stated that he had visited the site with a GPS receiver and found the two lots to be located on
relatively even terrain.
The Board finds that the appellant did not present clear, cogent, and convincing evidence that is
necessary to overcome the presumptive correctness of the value established by the Assessor.
Vice - Chairman Garing moved to sustain the Assessor's valuation of both parcels as shown
below:
Anneal Number Parcel Number. Current Assessed Value
BOE 09 -90 -LO 965 400 802 $10,000 (land only)
BOE 09 -91 -LO 965 400 203 $10,000 (land only)
Member Broders seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. (See also minutes of
November 6, 2009)
Board of Equalization Minutes - December 2, 2009 Page: 6
Thomas & Patricia Moreland BOE: 09 -82 -R PN: 958 900 004
4863 Mason Street
Port Townsend, WA 98368
The Board reviewed the information presented by the appellants and the Assessor's
representative. The appellants did not contest the land valuation of $100,000 but maintain the
true and fair market value of the improvements to be $269,152. The appellants offered one
comparable property sale that occurred in 2006 for $400,000. They reason that an increase in the
percentage differential from a previous sale of both the subject property and sales comparable
that occurred about the same time should remain the same.
The Assessor's representative supported the determined value with data from eight (8)
comparable property sales on the same street as the subject property that ranged in price from
$394,000 to $569,000. He also presented a map of the immediate vicinity with exhibit and
parcel tag notations, copies of the respective appraisal worksheets, and sales affidavits for each
of the comparable property sales.
The Board finds that the appellants did not present clear, cogent, and convincing evidence that is
necessary to overcome the presumptive correctness of the value established by the Assessor.
Vice - Chairman Garing moved to sustain the Assessor's valuation of $412,680 ($100,000 for the
land and $312,680 for the improvements). Member Broders seconded the motion which carried
by a unanimous vote. (See also minutes of November 6, 2009)
Jim Thomas BOE: 09 -76 -LO PN: 965 400 803
105 N. Lincoln Court
Port Jefferson, NY 11777
The Board considered the information presented by the appellant and the Assessor's
representative. The appellant asserts the true and fair market value of the subject property to be
$7,500 rather than the Assessor's valuation of $15,000. Although the appellant was not present
to offer oral testimony, his petition indicated that this parcel is located on a steep slope and is not
currently buildable as it is not accessible by road, nor has water or power.
The Assessor's representative supported the assessed value with data from two (2) comparable
vacant land sales in this area, copies of the appraisal worksheet, a map of the immediate vicinity,
and sales affidavits for the comparable sales. Comparable #I was comprised of 4 lots and sold
for $27,000 in June of 2007. Comparable 42 also contained 4 lots and sold for $35,000 in May
Board of Equalization Minutes - December 2, 2009 Page: 7
of 2008. He testified the subject property received a negative adjustment of 50% for access and
stated that he had visited the site with a GPS receiver and found the property to be located on
relatively even terrain.
The Board finds that the appellant did not present clear, cogent, and convincing evidence that is
necessary to overcome the presumptive correctness of the value established by the Assessor.
Member Broders moved to sustain the Assessor's valuation of $15,000 (land only). Vice -
Chairman Garing seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. (See also minutes of
November 6, 2009)
Jung & Mary Mok BOE: 09 -43 -R PN: 965 000 220
J & M Mok Living Trust
354 Pinecrest Drive
Port Townsend, WA 98368
The Board reviewed the information presented to them at the hearing. The appellants assert the
true and fair market value of this property to be $372,000 rather than the Assessor's valuation of
$381,365. The basis of their valuation is an appraisal completed on March 30, 2009 by Land
and Home Appraisal Services, Inc. Three (3) comparable property sales were used to identify an
adjusted value of $372,000.
The Assessor's representative offered into evidence a copy of the appraisal worksheet and map
of the immediate vicinity with keyed notations summarizing vacant land and improved property
sales that occurred during the assessment cycle. She also stated that the subject property was
purchased for $395,000 in March of 2007 and noted that 15 months had elapsed between the
date of the Assessor's valuation (1 -1 -08) and the fee appraisal. Both valuations are within
$10,000 of each other and both reflect the declining market, so it is plausible that both represent
true and fair market value on their respective dates of valuation.
The Board finds that the appellants did not present clear, cogent, and convincing evidence that is
necessary to overcome the presumptive correctness of the value established by the Assessor.
Vice - Chairman Garing moved to sustain the Assessor's valuation of $381,365 ($86,500 for the
land and $294,865 for the improvements). Member Broders seconded the motion which carried
by a unanimous vote. (See also minutes of November 20, 2009)
Board of Equalization Minutes - December 2, 2009 Page: 8
Melanie Reynolds & John Wrobleski BOE: 09 -92 -R PN: 988 802 311
1127 Adams
Port Townsend, WA 98368
The Board considered the information presented by the appellants and the Assessor's
representative. The appellants assert the true and fair market value of this property to be
$318,770 rather than the Assessor's valuation of $363,470. They offered testimony indicating
their belief that a 36% increase in value since the property was last assessed is excessive. They
stated that an inequity exists when comparing the assessed value of neighborhood homes to the
sales price. To support this contention they presented a list of comparable property sales and
square footage comparisons that occurred in 2006 and 2007, ranging in price from $339,000 to
$450,000. The appellants acknowledge that they purchased the home in July of 2007 for
$427,500.
The Assessor's representative stated that sale prices based on square footage should take into
consideration the age and quality of construction of a home. She also offered into evidence a
copy of the appraisal worksheet and map of the immediate vicinity with notations summarizing
vacant land and improved property sales that occurred during the assessment cycle. Under
Washington law, assessments of other properties and the percentage of assessment increase are
not necessarily proof of current fair market value. In concluding her testimony the Assessor's
representative recommended an 8% reduction to the current valuation of the subject property.
Member Broders moved to overrule the Assessor's valuation of $363,470 ($170,500 for the land
and $192,970 for the improvements) and reduce it to $334,392 ($156,860 for the land and
$177,532 for the improvements). Vice Chairman Gating seconded the motion which carried by
a unanimous vote. (See also minutes of November 20, 2009)
Dorothy `Lyn' Hersey BOE: 09- 100 -LO PN: 936 903 601
827 57' Street 09 -101 -R 936 903 607
Port Townsend, WA 98368
Parcel #936 903 601: The Board considered the information presented by the appellant and the
Assessor's representative. The appellant asserts the true and fair market value of this property to
be $120,000 (revised in testimony to $110,000) rather than the Assessor's valuation of $130,000.
She stressed that her property does not have a water view from the ground level. She presented
four (4) comparable property sales within a few blocks of her property. Comparable `A' sold in
January of 2006 for $120,000 with an assessed land value of $120,000. She testified this parcel
has a water view from the first floor. Comparable `B' sold for $120,000 in November of 2005
and has a water view with an assessed land value of $120,000 as of January 1, 2009.
Comparable `C' sold in April of 2006 for $125,000 and has an assessed land value of $120,000.
Board of Equalization Minutes - December 2, 2009 Page: 9
Comparable `D' sold near the peak of the market (February 2007) for $140,000 and has an
assessed land value of $130,000.
The Assessor's representative supported the determined value with data from four (4)
comparable property sales. Comparable #1 sold in September of 2007 for $186,000.
Comparable #2 also sold in September 2007 for $120,000. Comparable #3 sold for $166,500 in
January 2008. Comparable 94 sold for $170,000 in June 2008 and is assessed at $150,000 by the
Assessor.
The appellant maintains the Assessor's comparable property sales were flawed and inconsistent
and that Comparable #I has a lot size of 2.26 not 3.26 as listed in the Assessor's records, has a
water view from the floor, and was assigned a $120,000 base rate valuation as of January 1,
2009. Comparable #2 sold for $120,000 September 2007 and has an assessed valued of
$100,000. Comparable #3 is improved property rather than vacant land. Comparable #4 is a
superior property (valued $20,000 below the sales price) with a water view from the ground
level.
The Board considered all evidence and testimony presented by the appellant and Assessor's
representative. It is the order of the Board of Equalization that the unimproved land value of the
subject property be reduced to $120,000.
Vice - Chairman Garing moved to overrule the Assessor's valuation of $130,000 (land only) and
reduce it to $120,000 (land only). Member Broders seconded the motion which carried by a
unanimous vote. (See also minutes of November 20, 2009)
Parcel #936 903 607: The Board considered the information presented by the appellant and the
Assessor's representative. The appellant asserts the true and fair market value of her property to
be $350,000 rather than the Assessor's valuation of $408,520. The appellant presented
photographs, market analysis reports, and testimony with respect to three (3) home sales within a
few blocks of her property. Comparable `A' sold in November of 2007 for $350,000 with an
assessed value of $17,370 above the sales price and has a water view from the first floor.
Comparable `B' sold in June of 2009 for $250,000 and had an assessed value of $249,905 with a
water view from the first floor. Assessor's comparable `C' sold in September of 2008 for
$380,000 with an assessed value of $26,510 below the sales price and has a small water view
from the second floor. The base land value of these properties is $150,000, $100,000, and
$120,000 respectively. The appellant stated that her property does not have a water view from
the first floor and provided evidence of a deteriorating view from the second floor. She also
noted an inconsistency in the assignment of site values that the Assessor's representative
acknowledged to be an error in the assessment of the property cited as Assessor's comparable
#2.
Board of Equalization Minutes - December 2, 2009 Page: 10
The Assessor's representative supported the determined value with data from three (3)
comparable property sales in the immediate area that ranged in price from $398,000 to $520,000.
In two of the three comparable properties, a base valuation of $120,000 was used. He also
presented a map of the immediate vicinity with an exhibit and parcel notations, copies of the
respective appraisal worksheets, and sales affidavits for each of the comparable property sales.
Based on the appellant's testimony and evidence provided, the Board feels that the land value
should be reduced and the improvements remain the same.
Vice Chairman Garing moved to overrule the Assessor's valuation of $408,520 ($150,000 for
the land and $258,520 for the improvements) and reduce it to $398,520 ($140,000 for the land
and $258,520 for the improvements). Member Broders seconded the motion which carried by a
unanimous vote. (See also minutes of November 20, 2009)
Lisa Alpine BOE: 09 -102 -R PN: 951 903 709
702 Bay Road
Mill Valley, CA 94941
The Board considered the information presented by the appellant and the Assessor's
representative. The appellant did not provide any comparable property sales. The Assessor's
office presented three (3) comparable property sales. The appellant purchased the property in
May of 2005 for $318,000. The Assessor's office assessed value is $352,225 and the appellant
estimates true and fair market value to be $275,238.
Based on the information presented the Board finds that the Assessor's value represents fair
market value for this parcel.
Member Broders moved to sustain the Assessor's valuation of $352,225 ($100,000 for the land
and $252,225 for the improvements). Vice - Chairman Garing seconded the motion which carried
by a unanimous vote. (See also minutes of November 20, 2009)
Klaus Wickl BOE: 09 -103 -R PN: 933 301 605
c/o Nikki Hopkins
6644 Cape George Road
Port Townsend, WA 98368
The Board reviewed the information presented by the appellant and the Assessor's
representative. The appellant provided one (1) comparable property sale located at 4545 McNeil
Street. The Assessor's office presented three (3) sales of comparable properties (including 4545
Board of Equalization Minutes - December 2, 2009 Page: 11
McNeil Street).
Based on the testimony and submitted evidence, the Board finds that the Assessor's value
accurately reflects fair market value of the subject property.
Member Broders moved to sustain the Assessor's valuation of $354,550 ($85,000 for the land
and $269,550 for the improvements). Vice - Chairman Gating seconded the motion which carried
by a unanimous vote. (See also minutes of November 20, 2009)
Nor'West Village - PT LLC BOE: 09 -29 -R PN: 948 314 201
c/o Norman Bruns
11912 °d Avenue, Floor 18
Seattle, WA 98101 -3438
The Board considered the information presented by the appellant and the Assessor's
representative. The property under appeal is a subsidized housing complex. The appellant
appealed prior to receiving the `Change of Value' notice and without even knowing what
amount the Assessor's office assessed their property.
Based on the testimony and evidence submitted, the Board finds that the Assessor's value
accurately reflects fair market value of the subject property.
Vice - Chairman Gating moved to sustain the Assessor's valuation of $824,080 ($540,100 for the
land and $283,980 for the improvements). Member Broders seconded the motion which carried
by a unanimous vote. (See also minutes of November 20, 2009)
Bishop Park Port Townsend, LLC BOE: 09 -30 -R PN: 948 320 501
c/o Norman Bruns
11912 °d Avenue, Floor 18
Seattle, WA 98101 -3438
The Board considered the information presented by the appellant and the Assessor's
representative. The property under appeal is a 30 unit low income housing complex located in
Port Townsend. The assessed value remained the same as the 2008 stipulated value determined
from the Thurston County Superior Court case.
Based on the testimony and submitted evidence, the Board of Equalization finds that the
Assessor's value accurately reflects fair market value of the subject property.
Member Broders moved to sustain the Assessor's valuation of $831,000 ($320,100 for the land
Board of Equalization Minutes - December 2, 2009 Page: 12
and $510,900 for the improvements). Vice - Chairman Garing seconded the motion which carried
by a unanimous vote. (See also minutes of November 20, 2009)
Celeste Camagna Foley BOE: 09 -104 -R PN: 931 900 049
3324 N. Boulder Canyon
Mesa, AZ 85207
The Board reviewed the information presented by the appellant and the Assessor's
representative. The Appellant purchased the home for $276,000 on September 25, 2009 as a
foreclosure sale. The assessed value is $437,410. The issue before the Board is what is the
value of this parcel as of the assessment date of January 1, 20077 The parcel sold for $445,000
on October 10, 2006. It is well established that the real estate market in Port Ludlow and in
general declined significantly after January 1, 2007. Neither the Assessor's value nor the
appellant's purchase price are inconsistent with this. State law, however, requires that the value
be established as of the assessment date. Jefferson County is on a four (4) year cycle.
Based on the information presented the Board finds that the Assessor's value accurately reflects
fair market value as of the assessment date of January 1, 2007.
Member Broders moved to sustain the Assessor's valuation of $437,410 ($210,000 for the land
and $227,410 for the improvements). Vice - Chairman Garing seconded the motion which carried
by a unanimous vote. (See hearing held earlier in the day)
Eisenhardt Living Trust 1995 BOE: 09 -77 -R PN: 988 900 404
Paul & Elizabeth Eisenhardt, Trustees
1085 Greenwich Street #3
San Francisco, CA 94133
Vice - Chairman Garing recused himself from the determination of this appeal due to the
appearance of fairness. He is part owner in a business that is in a pending lawsuit with a
Aldrich's Market condominium owner.
Chairman Marlow and Member Broders considered the information presented by the appellants
and the Assessor's representative. The appellants argue for a reduced valuation because of
alleged defective construction and/or design. The appellants provided a detailed cost estimate
for necessary repairs, which was prepared by an engineering company specializing in such cases.
The Assessor concurs that there is a problem with construction and /or design which affects the
Board of Equalization Minutes - December 2, 2009 Page: 13
marketability and thus the market value of the property. The appellants provided testimony on
the complexities and time frames related to the on -going litigation to resolve the defect issues.
The Assessor has reduced the value to reflect some of the loss in value but states a further
reduction will be needed because the Assessor's office was unaware of the total extent of the
defects.
The Board finds that the improvement value should be reduced by the allocated (based on square
footage) repair estimate plus 25% of that amount to account for marketability issues. This
reduction should be applied to the improvement value for defective construction.
Member Broders moved to overrule the Assessor's valuation of $526,800 ($220,000 for the land
and $306,800 for the improvements) and reduce it to $321,985 ($220,000 for the land and
$101,985 for the improvements). Chairman Marlow seconded the motion. The motion carried.
(See also minutes of November 20, 2009)
Lee & Laila Corbin Trust BOE: 09 -72 -R PN: 988 900 304
Lee & Laila Corbin, Trustees
940 Lawrence Street #304
Port Townsend, WA 98368
Vice - Chairman Gating recused himself from the determination of this appeal due to the
appearance of fairness. He is part owner in a business that is in a pending lawsuit with a
Aldrich's Market condominium owner.
Chairman Marlow and Member Broders considered the information presented by the appellants
and the Assessor's representative. The appellants argue for a reduced valuation because of
alleged defective construction and/or design. The appellants provided a detailed cost estimate
for necessary repairs, which was prepared by an engineering company specializing in such cases.
The Assessor concurs that there is a problem with construction and/or design which affects the
marketability and thus the market value of the property. The appellants provided testimony on
the complexities and time frames related to the on -going litigation to resolve the defect issues.
The Assessor has reduced the value to reflect some of the loss in value but states a further
reduction will be needed because the Assessor's office was unaware of the total extent of the
defects.
The Board finds that the improvement value should be reduced by the allocated (based on square
footage) repair estimate plus 25% of that amount to account for marketability issues. This
reduction should be applied to the improvement value for defective construction.
Board of Equalization Minutes - December 2, 2009 Page: 14
Member Broders moved to overrule the Assessor's valuation of $496,800 ($190,000 for the land
and $306,800 for the improvements) and reduce it to $301,150 ($190,000 for the land and
$111,150 for the improvements). Chairman Marlow seconded the motion. The motion carried.
(See also minutes of November 20, 2009)
EQUALIZE ALDRICH'S MARKET BUILDING
The Washington State Department of Revenue has granted permission to reconvene the
Jefferson County Board of Equalization in order to equalize property located in Jefferson
County.
Vice - Chairman Garing recused himself from the determination of this appeal due to the
appearance of fairness. He is part owner in a business that is in a pending lawsuit with a
Aldrich's Market condominium owner.
Because of information brought to the Board regarding defects in the construction of the
building located at 940 Lawrence Street ( Aldrich's Market Building), the assessed value should
be reduced to accurately reflect fair market value. A detailed cost estimate for necessary repairs,
which was prepared by an engineering company specializing in such issues was provided to the
Board. The Assessor had reduced the value to reflect some of the loss in value, but a further
reduction will be needed because the Assessor's office was unaware of the total extent of the
defects.
The Board finds that the improvement value should be reduced by the allocated (based on square
footage) repair estimate plus 25% of that amount to account for marketability issues. This
reduction is to be applied to the improvement value for defective construction.
Member Broders moved to equalize the remaining parcels in the Aldrich's Market building as
shown below:
Property Owner Name
Ham & Rye, LLC
Ham & Rye, LLC
Market Top, LLC
Alene & Bruce Bikle
Alan & Mary Brutger
Sven Solvik
Current Assessed Value
$1,532,615 ($428,300 land/$1,104,315 imps)
$199,015 ($58,700 land/$140,315 imps)
$421,200 ($170,000 land/$251,200 imps)
$469,600 ($180,000 land/$289,600 imps)
$348,600 ($120,000 land/$228,600 imps)
$471,200 ($220,000 land/$251,200 imps)
Equalized Value
$654,375 ($428,300 land/$226,075 imps)
$94,905 ($58,700land/$36,205 imps)
$255,350 ($170,000 1and /$85,350 imps)
$283,605 ($180,0001and /$103,605 imps)
$210,680 ($120,000 land/$90,680 imps)
$296,575 ($220,000land/$76,575 imps)
Board of Equalization Minutes - December 2, 2009 Page: 15
Richard Lemmerman $489,600 ($200,000 land /$289,600 imps) $295,025 ($200,000 land/$95,025 imps)
Marilyn Muller $388,600 ($160,000 land/$228,600 imps) $234,960 ($160,0001and/$74,960 imps)
Chairman Marlow seconded the motion. The motion carried. The property owners will be
notified in writing of the Aldrich's Market building equalization.
Member Broders moved to adjourn the meeting. Vice - Chairman Gating seconded the motion
which carried by a unanimous vote.
ATTEST:
LL sli� R. Locke, Clerk of the Board
JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF EQUALIZATION
William S. Marlow, Chairman
Dave G oarii ce- Chairman
Richard A. Broders, Member